Flock-Powered Police Chiefs Stalking Women Shows Why Warrants Are Needed
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Police chiefs stalked ex-partners using Flock license plate readers, warrant advocates say.
A Holiday Hills police chief was arrested for using Flock LPR to track six people he knew, including three romantic partners, running one man's plate up to 178 times. The article documents at least 18 similar cases nationwide, including chiefs in Georgia, Idaho, and Kansas. Flock's CLO admitted the most common abuse is tracking ex-girlfriends. The article argues for warrant requirements, noting existing exigent circumstances exceptions and court precedents for GPS, cell data, and wiretaps.
What commenters are saying
Many commenters argue Flock violates the Fourth Amendment, citing Carpenter v. US for long-term data collection. Some counter that the 9th Circuit ruled automated plate readers don't need warrants, comparing them to a cop writing down plates. Several note Flock cameras are privately owned by Flock. One suggests checking town websites for ACLU correspondence about Flock; another says they bag cameras, with Flock removing the bag. A few doubt Flock's claimed crime-solving value, calling it parallel construction.